Tips To Avoid Costly Auto Repair Problems

If you properly maintain your car it can help cut down on the unexpected surprises of expensive auto repair jobs that you didn’t see coming. Simple maintenance task like changing out your oil and filters when your particular car manufacturer recommends you do so can help ensure you are not running your car on dirty oil. Oil circulates through your car much like blood through the human body. And when that oil is dirty from road gunk, and other contaminants it can clog your oil filter, much like the buildup of fat in your body can clog your heart. A clogged oil filter means your car won’t be running the way it should and you will start to experience problems when you drive. If you continue to run a car on dirty oil it can actually cause a buildup of gunk to form in your engine and your engine, the heart of your car, will seize up. At this point a mechanic either has to replace your engine or has to tear your engine apart and scrape the gunk out of every niche and component of your engine. This is one of the most expensive auto repair jobs you can undertake and the easiest to avoid by simply changing your oil and oil filter on a regular basis.

Other simple car maintenance task that can help extend the life of your car and cut down on your auto repair bills include maintaining your car’s fluid levels. Anti-freeze for example is designed to circulate through your engine and keeps it cool so it doesn’t over heat and seize up. Allow this fluid to run low and you risk your car overheating because you have altered the cooling system. The signs that your car is low on anti-freeze include smelling a sweet smell in your car; the windshield develops a greasy film of dirt, even after just being cleaned and your heater stops working properly. It’s an easy check to rule out low anti-freeze before you move on to other solutions for these problems since even a non-mechanic can pop the hood and check fluid levels.

Finally keep an eye on your brake fluid levels. Ideally your brake fluid reservoir should be full and sealed tightly against dirt and water. If you find your level low or suspect the brake fluid has been contaminated by dirt or water that was allowed in by a loose cap closure you shouldn’t risk driving your car to the mechanic since your brakes may be faulty. Have it towed or have the mechanic come out to you and take a look at your braking system. You will probably need your brakes bled and new brake fluid put in to ward off any problems with your brake fluid levels.

It’s a little time consuming to maintain your car but it’s a lot easier to check these little things monthly than it is to pay for the unexpected car repair issues that arise because you ignored your car maintenance problems. In the end, however, everyone needs car repair at one point or another. Make sure you're not in over your head when it comes to repairs.